After weeks of voting, we are at last able to announce this year’s Faces of Ohio Freemasonry. One thing has been abundantly clear throughout this search: in Lodge’s across the state, Ohio Masons truly embrace Freemasonry’s core values of honor, integrity, truth and love for their country.
Today, we’re excited to announce the Masons who our Ohio Brethren have chosen as true embodiments of Masonic values. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Faces of Ohio Freemasonry.
Nick Thompson
Husband, Father, Brother, Freemason
Hometown: Holland
Lodge: Northern Light Lodge #40
Occupation: Assistant VP of Banking
“In Masonry, it doesn’t matter whether a man is a bricklayer, physician or the mayor of the city. All are on equal footing in the Lodge room. Freemasonry means forming deep and lasting friendships that transcend the boundaries of race, religion and culture.”
Jason Short
Football Coach, Photographer, Cub Scout Leader, Freemason
Hometown: East Palestine
Lodge: Negley 565, Jenkins 471, Allen 276
Occupation: Truck Driver
“Becoming a Freemason was the best thing to ever happen to me. I’ve become a better man and have made life long friendship with my Brethern.”
George Moore
Attorney, Musician, Family Man, Freemason
Hometown: Celina
Lodge: Celina #241
Occupation: Attorney at Law
“My father always said that ‘There are no strangers in Freemasonry; only friends you haven’t met.’ He was my inspiration for joining shortly after his death, and it was the best decision I ever made. The “real secret” of Freemasonry is all the amazing people we meet while making good men better.”
Jeffrey Sime
Husband, Father, Airline Captain, Freemason
Hometown: Northwood
Lodge: Genoa Lodge #433
Occupation: Airline Captain
Freemasonry is “a lifelong journey for self improvement and an unmatched brotherhood of friendship”.
Rick Gabbard
Firefighter, Paramedic, Giver, Father, Freemason
Hometown: Franklin
Lodge Name: Germantown #257
Occupation: Firefighter / Paramedic
Freemasonry means “sharing the values of our nation’s founding fathers; men who believe in the brotherhood of man. It means becoming a better person while helping to improve the quality of life for others. Forming deep and lasting friendships that transcend the boundaries of race, religion and culture, as well as those of geography. But most of all, being a Mason means the kind of deep satisfaction that comes only from selfless giving; from doing for others without asking, or expecting anything in return. I became a Freemason for the same reasons I became a firefighter.”
We’ll be sitting down with these great men of Ohio and publishing interviews so that you may learn more about them, their commitment to the Craft and how they carry the teachings of Freemasonry with them in daily life.
Thank you to all who participated in our search for the next Faces of Ohio. It has truly deepened our appreciation for the strong bond uniting Brothers across the state.
Learn more about all the faces of Ohio Freemasonry.